Iranian journalist and political activist Abbas Abdi says a significant portion of Iranians are disillusioned with the political system and have no intention of voting in the presidential elections scheduled for June 28.
“The ice of the election boycott has not yet begun to melt,” Abdi said in an op-ed in Etemad newspaper on Sunday.
He added: “You don't need to give reasons or arguments for not participating, but you need reasons and analysis for deciding to participate.”
The sentiment highlights broader public discontent that was made clear when parliamentary elections in March saw the lowest voter turnout on record. Many Iranians are disillusioned by continuing economic woes and government repression and feel alienated from the political process. Key issues fueling voter apathy include soaring inflation, a crackdown on protests and dissent, and a widespread sense that governance is not working.
Since 2020, a core of clerical rulers loyal to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has barred other insiders from running in elections, handing parliamentary and presidential power to hardliners. With few options for candidates, voters have refrained from voting, keeping turnout well below 50%.
With presidential elections looming following the sudden death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, this lack of enthusiasm shows that many in Iran still do not see the value in participating in a flawed and predetermined electoral system.
The electoral system faces the challenge of convincing a disillusioned public that their vote matters and can bring about tangible change — a task made even harder in the current climate of widespread discontent and economic hardship.
